New Jersey Division of Youth and Family Services, Plaintiff-Appellant v. J.B., Defendant-Respondent. in the Matter…

Summary

The Supreme Court of New Jersey affirmed the trial court's decision to allow press access to a preliminary hearing in an emergency‑removal child‑welfare case, holding that no statutory or rule‑based mandate requires closure of such proceedings and that the trial court did not abuse its discretion. The Court explained that closure decisions must be made on a case‑by‑case basis, balancing the public's First Amendment right of access against the state's interest in protecting minor victims.